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Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Summer: The Growing, and the Harvesting of the Fruit



It's that time of summer
when the fruit of our planting
is beginning to appear ...
we've been enjoying fresh cucumbers,
sprigs of parsley, snips of basil,
chives, and tomatoes will be coming soon.

Roots have grown down into the
fresh spring soil, soaking up the rains,
and burrowing down into the healthy ground.

And as we've had quiet moments to
rest (here and there, during busy days),
soaking up the Son, burrowing our hearts
down deeper into His Word, into Truth,
there has been growth, and fruit has come.


I love the fruit ...
the flavor of fresh herbs,
chopped up and added to salads
and butters, and main dishes.

And fresh veggies from the garden,
even from the produce stands
cannot be equaled -
they are a true taste of summer.

I love it, too, when I see the fruit
of His Word - in my heart, in my actions;
even as it blesses others, and points
them to His love for them.


But sometimes I catch myself
longing for more fruit, focusing
on the fruit, wishing
for more recognition, even for praise -
for fruit is beautiful.

But when I put all my effort and
all my focus on the fruit,
on the produce, on the goodness of it, 
I am disappointed, and life
turns out empty, devoid of beauty.

And I am reminded ...

"We long for showy fruit
when the Lord calls us
to focus on clinging to Him.
We want to produce, but He
reminds us that He provides
as we abide."
(Ruth Chou Simons)

"I am the Vine;
you are the branches.
Whoever abides in Me
and I in him,
he it is that bears
much fruit,
for apart from Me
you can do nothing."
(John 15:5)




Lord, may my focus be on You,
and You alone will bring the fruit.


For part one of this summer series, click here:

Monday, July 2, 2018

A Mother's Heart: In So Many Places



How can a mother's heart
be in so many different places?

Last week ...
my heart was in Omaha
helping a daughter pack
up her kitchen, her life,
as she made a move 300 miles away
with her dear hubby and two sweet kids.

And after going along
and being part of the excitement
of the move, of the settling in,
this same mother's heart 
overflowed with tears
as we said good-bye, and left
to drive 300 miles back to our home.

The very next day,
my heart was in San Francisco
(where it is every other day, as well),
as a dear son celebrated his birthday.
And I wished to give him a warm hug,
and an "I love you".

And now, two days after that day,
my heart is making preparations
to welcome another dear daughter,
her hubby and two of her kids,
for a sweet visit from Texas.

And as my heart is overflowing,
and is tearful, and is grateful 
for these two daughters, and son -
it also is stretched across the miles
to another dear son in New York,
and to two precious daughters
who live nearby.

How can a mother's heart
be in so many places?

Only by God's grace ...
held so close by the One who is Love,
and the One who holds all things 
together.